Grand China Circuit - 14 Days

On arrival at Beijing Airport, we are met by our local guide outside customs. We then transfer by private vehicle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax after your flight or explore the surroundings independently.

At 08:00, we meet in the hotel lobby for a short tour briefing and introductions. We then visit Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, followed by the Forbidden City, including the Treasure Gallery, which offers insight into the wealth and artistry of imperial China.

Lunch is served at a well-regarded local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Later, we enjoy a traditional Chinese acrobatic show. This evening, we are treated to a special welcome à la carte dinner at a popular restaurant, featuring Peking Roast Duck and other classic Beijing dishes.

Today’s highlight is an excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. A round-trip cable car is included, and we allow ample time to walk along the Wall and take in the dramatic mountain scenery. A group toast with red wine is specially arranged on the Wall.

After a buffet lunch, we return to Beijing and stop for photos at the Olympic National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest. We then take a rickshaw ride through the historic hutong alleyways, with a visit to a local family courtyard home for a glimpse of traditional Beijing life.

In the morning, we visit the Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat famed for its landscaped gardens and Kunming Lake. After lunch, we take a second-class high-speed train to Xi’an, a journey of around five hours. On arrival, our local guide and driver meet us and transfer us to the hotel.

We visit the Terracotta Army Museum this morning, home to thousands of life-sized warriors guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. Lunch is served at a nearby restaurant.

Afterwards, we visit the home of the first discoverer of the Terracotta Army, followed by a hands-on experience creating a mini clay warrior with guidance from a local artisan. Returning to the city, we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, we enjoy a Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, accompanied by a traditional dumpling dinner.

The day begins with a relaxed visit to City Wall Park, where we observe local daily life and take part in a Tai Chi session led by a master. We then walk along the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in China.

Around midday, we explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter and enjoy an à la carte lunch featuring local specialities. In the afternoon, we visit the Great Mosque and the Shaanxi History Museum, which provides valuable context on the region’s long history.

This morning, we fly to Guilin. On arrival, our guide and driver transfer us to the hotel. We then visit the Reed Flute Cave, known for its illuminated limestone formations, followed by Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural landmark shaped like an elephant drinking from the river.

We cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying some of China’s most iconic karst landscapes. After disembarking in Yangshuo, we stroll along lively West Street.

We then drive into the surrounding countryside to take in rural scenery and visit a local villager’s home before returning to Guilin in the late afternoon.

The morning is at leisure in Guilin. In the afternoon, we take a first-class high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, a journey of approximately seven hours. On arrival, we transfer directly to our hotel near the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and settle in for the evening.

A full day is dedicated to exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. We take the Bailong Sightseeing Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where we see the famous pillar formations, including the so-called Hallelujah Mountain. Lunch is served at a restaurant on the mountain.

We continue to Yangjiajie Scenic Area to view the Natural Great Wall, before heading to Tianzi Mountain for panoramic views of the towering sandstone peaks. We descend by cable car.

Today, we visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and walk across the world’s highest and longest glass bridge, suspended high above the canyon floor. Lunch is served at midday.

In the afternoon, we return to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for a scenic hike along Golden Whip Stream, a peaceful valley surrounded by dramatic rock columns and lush vegetation.

This morning, we visit Tianmen Mountain by round-trip cable car. We experience the Glass Skywalk and view Tianmen Cave, a natural rock arch often referred to as Heaven’s Gate.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the railway station for a first-class high-speed train to Hong Kong, travelling approximately 6.5 hours. On arrival, you make your own way to the hotel by shuttle bus or taxi.

Today is free for independent exploration. You may wish to visit Victoria Peak for sweeping city views, stroll along Repulse Bay and Aberdeen, and end the day browsing Stanley Market.

At the appropriate time, you travel independently by shuttle bus or taxi to the airport for your onward flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and lasting memories of your time in China.